Taiwan’s Ma Takes Party Post, Boosting China Summit Prospects

Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou was voted chairman of the ruling Kuomintang party, an appointment that may pave the way for a historic summit with China.

Ma, the only candidate for the position, received 94 percent of votes cast yesterday, Chen Shu-rong, a Kuomintang spokeswoman said in Taipei. He needed 50 percent support to win a four-year term, replacing Wu Poh-hsiung, who will step down in September when his tenure expires.

“I will speed up reforms within the party,” Ma said at a press conference after the results were announced. “I aim for the party to be non-corrupt and seek to attract new, younger members.”